Pattern and repetition are an instant composition boost, drawing the eye while creating interest. By repeating shapes and creating patterns — regular or irregular — the viewer’s eye is drawn to the subject. This week, we are featuring five photos featuring pattern and repetition from photographers Tyler Rye, Jason Vinson, Nico Pedaci, Kristian Leven, and Stephanie DeFranco. 

Tyler Rye, Tyler Rye Photography 

Shooting from an aerial view can often create patterns that aren’t apparent on the ground. Tyler Rye of Tyler Rye Photography took this photograph during an elopement in Iceland. The Basalt columns have given this location a bit of fame, so Rye knew he wanted to try to showcase the location in a unique way. He took the photograph with the DKI Mavic 3 and the DJI RC Pro controller. 

“When we were hiking in, I was hoping there would be an area in the river that passed on both sides of some of the cool rock formations,” Rye said. “I was pleasantly surprised when I saw these rocks coming out of the river and knew this was the spot!” 

Jason Vinson, Vinson Images 

Patterns aren’t always created from tangible objects — in this photograph, photographer Jason Vinson of Vinson Images created patterns by placing a light behind a staircase. The result is a dramatic portrait taken in an otherwise plain stairwell. Vinson used the Sony a9 and the Sony 24mm f1.4 GM lens to take the shot; the light was created with an Elinchrom FIVE and MagMod full CTO gel. 

“I’m always on the lookout for interesting light just in everyday life,” Vinson said. “When I find light I love, I ask myself how I could reproduce that light if it was no longer there as well as how I could modify the light to create something new. This process sort of gives me a toolbox of ways to create interesting light because I’m looking for lighting potential anytime I can’t instantly spot a good place to take photos. In the past I’ve used windows, crystal chandeliers, chairs, mirrors, and a ton of other things just naturally found in the surroundings of a session.” 

Nico Pedaci, Foto Pedaci 

Irregular patterns can also add interest to a photograph. The light filtering through the lace creates a dramatic contrast to this ring photo by Nico Pedaci of Foto Pedaci. The Italy-based fashion and wedding photographer captured the image using the Canon EOS R6 with the RF 24-70mm f2.8 lens. 

“Patterns play an important role in my work,” he said, “but it depends on the type of photography.” 

Kristian Leven 

The pattern in the white bounce house in this image by Kristian Leven of Kristian Leven Photography draws the eye to the bride centered in the frame. Leven was inspired to take the shot as the bride walked towards the bounce house, realizing that the matching colors would create a striking image. The photographer took the image with the Nikon D750 and a 35mm lens. 

“Lines and patterns are hugely important to the way I compose pictures,” Leven said. “I use them as leading lines to draw the viewer to a particular part of the image, to frame a subject, or to give balance to a scene. They can help elevate your imagery, turning an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.” 

Stephanie DeFranco, Stephanie DeFranco Photography 

When creativity strikes, sometimes you just have to use whatever gear you have on hand. Stephanie DeFranco of Stephanie DeFranco Photography was hit with a punch of creativity late at night when all she had on her was her phone. She took the image using the iPhone 13 Pro Max, the Lensbaby Omni Color Teardrop Prism and a MeFoto tripod. 

“I love working with the obscurity of prisms and the unknown of what they’ll give me in a certain lighting situation,” she said. “I have a few favorite prisms that I shoot with all the time, so being familiar with that pattern they produce has helped in keeping the continuity but still leave a little mystery to the shot.”